Hana
Hana SL MKII Tapered Cantilever MC Cartridge
Best moving coil cartridge for audiophiles seeking refined, natural analog sound.
Experience enhanced musical performance with the Hana SL MK II Moving Coil cartridge. This upgraded model integrates higher-specified parts and advanced materials from Hana’s elite lines, featuring a new tapered Aluminum cantilever for superior groove modulation. Its Alnico magnet generator and cryogenic treatment on critical components deliver a more natural sonic presentation. The improved, non-resonant body and increased weight ensure better tonearm coupling, expanding compatibility and delivering improved bass dynamics for a brilliant and gorgeous sound.
$850.00
More Hana SL Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
173
/ 1649
#173 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-33%
Below average
Output voltage
0.4
/ mV
Who it's for
- Vinyl collectors prioritizing reliable, consistent channel separation
- Audiophiles seeking precise high-frequency detail and minimal distortion
- Budget-conscious listeners wanting high-end performance without premium pricing
Who should skip it
- Listeners without high-gain phono stages or step-up transformers
- Novice users intimidated by complex cartridge alignment procedures
- Purists demanding advanced resonance control from exotic materials
Performance breakdown
High-Frequency Detail
The Shibata stylus extracts exceptional nuance from complex groove modulations.
Tonearm Compatibility
Increased mass and threaded mounting ensure stable coupling with diverse arms.
Sonic Naturalness
Cryogenic treatment and Alnico magnets produce a remarkably organic, lifelike presentation.
Bass Dynamics
The rigid tapered cantilever delivers punchy, controlled low-end performance.
Installation Ease
Threaded brass mounting simplifies alignment and ensures a secure, vibration-free fit.
Resonance Control
Elastomeric resin coating effectively dampens unwanted vibrations for cleaner playback.
Key Specs
Output voltage
0.4mV
Output balance
<1.5dB / 1kHz
Vertical tracking force
2 grams
Trackability
70um / 2 grams
Dynamic compliance
10 x 10 (-6) cm / dyne
Channel separation
28dB / 1kHz
Frequency response
15-32,000 Hz
Impedance
8 ohms
Features
- Nude Diamond Shibata stylus with a new tapered Aluminum cantilever for enhanced rigidity.
- Cryogenic treatment applied to critical parts for a more natural sound.
- Improved, non-resonant body shape damped with Soft Feel Black elastomeric resin paint.
- Brass cap with threaded cartridge mounting for secure installation.
- Alnico magnet and cross-coil generator with high purity copper wire.
- Heavier weight design for better coupling with a wider range of tonearms.
- Low output version with 0.4mV output voltage.
What customers say
The Hana SL MKII is celebrated as a high-value component delivering performance exceeding its price point. Reviewers consistently praise its exceptional detail retrieval and musical neutrality, noting a rich midrange and tight bass. The Shibata stylus ensures precise groove tracking, offering sophisticated sound quality. A key consideration is its low output, which demands pairing with a high-quality, high-gain phono stage for optimal results. Setup also requires careful alignment to unlock its full potential. Despite these prerequisites, the consensus is that this cartridge offers superb build quality and near reference level audio, making it a highly recommended upgrade for serious vinyl enthusiasts seeking audiophile excellence.
Know before you buy
The MKII features a redesigned tapered aluminum cantilever for increased rigidity and improved groove modulation. It also incorporates cryogenic treatment on critical components and a heavier, non-resonant body to enhance bass dynamics and overall sonic naturalness.
Yes, as a low-output moving coil (MC) cartridge with 0.4mV output, it requires a phono stage capable of handling MC inputs. You should ensure your preamp or phono stage can provide sufficient gain and supports a loading impedance greater than 80 ohms.
The increased mass is designed to improve coupling with a wider range of tonearms, but you should verify that your tonearm's counterweight can balance the cartridge's weight. It is compatible with standard 1/2-inch mount tonearms.
The recommended vertical tracking force is 2 grams. This setting ensures optimal trackability and performance from the Nude Diamond Shibata stylus.
The Shibata stylus profile is known for its ability to reach deep into the record groove, providing excellent high-frequency detail and reduced distortion. When paired with the new tapered cantilever, it offers superior tracking accuracy compared to standard elliptical styli.
Yes, the integrated brass cap with threaded mounting holes eliminates the need for fiddly nuts when attaching the cartridge to your headshell. This allows for a more secure, rigid connection, which helps minimize unwanted vibrations.
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